WESAD

What We Do

To improve on the livelihood and protection of less privileged people (girls, Women, Youths, children and people living with disability) in rural communities through capacity building in economic, leadership and digital skills while ensuring environmental sustainability and self-reliance.

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Food Security

In the field of Agro development, we work with farmers and communities to improve agricultural practices, increase crop yields, and enhance food security. Through training programs, technical assistance, and access to resources, we empower individuals to build sustainable livelihoods and improve their quality of life

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Environmental Protection

In addition to our work in agriculture, we are committed to promoting environmental protection and conservation. By advocating for sustainable land use practices, promoting a “circular economy model” in the production and consumption of briquettes instead of firewood and charcoal to reduce pollution and deforestation, and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity, we strive to create a healthier planet for future generations.

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Women Economic Empowerment

Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy training: WESAD and partners A2Empowerment, IFAD, Venture for ALL, CEED Canada and GYIN are ensuring that women, adolescent girls and adolescent boys have equal access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. By providing training and support to help women and adolescent girls develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their personal and professional lives. Additionally, we raise awareness about gender equality engaging men and adolescent boys in the discussions creating allies and advocate for policies that promote women's rights. We help create a more inclusive and equitable society where women and adolescent girls can thrive and reach their full potential.

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Food Security

Agriculture

Agriculture: In the field of agro development, we work with farmers and communities to improve agricultural practices, increase crop yields, and enhance food security. Through training programs, technical assistance, and access to resources, WESAD and partner (WFP) has empowered over three hundred and forty (340) farmers group, six cooperatives with 6,660 individuals as beneficiaries of the Emergency Response Project to Food Crisis in (PRUCAC) project in the Republic of Central Africa. In Cameroon WESAD and partmers (IFAD, CEED Canada, Venture for All and GYIN) within the Creating Opportunities for Rural Youths in farm and non-farm businesses in West and Central Africa (CORY) WESAD reached out to 2,250 youths in Bamenda I,II, III, Santa, Bali, Batibo, Mbengwi, Bambui, Bambili, Ndop, Ndu, Nkambe and Kumbo in Cameroon building their entrepreneurial capacity and access to complimentary financial services. In the Farm for Life Project WESAD reached out to 380 youths as beneficiaries in Bamenda I, II, III and Nforya Bafut in the North West Region of Cameroon building their skills on environmental and climate smart farming to effectively and sustainably grow crops to provide reliable food supply and contribute to the economy. The trained youths were also provided with seed capital to start up farms. These interventions helped to build sustainable livelihoods and improve the quality of life for the beneficiaries. Through our trainings, rural farmers and communities understand the importance of biodiversity, and are more inclined to adopt sustainable practices that promote biodiversity conservation which includes practices such as agroforestry, crop rotation, and organic farming, which can help maintain healthy ecosystems and support biodiversity.
In Djibouti, WESAD has currently develop the country strategic plan for food security and nutrition in partnership with the World Bank. 

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Based on the challenges of farmers during the implementation of our projects, WESAD seeks partnership with organizations and agencies who can provide support to her as follows:

1. Funding for Capacity Building

Fund for capacity building and training programs for farmers to improve their agricultural practices and increase their yields.

2. Support for Establishment of Seed Banks

Support for the establishment of community seed banks to ensure access to high-quality seeds for farmers, especially in times of crisis.

3. Investment in Sustainable Agriculture

Investment in sustainable agriculture practices such as agroforestry, organic farming, and water conservation techniques to improve resilience to climate change.

4. Market Development Fund

Funding for the development of market linkages and value chains to help farmers’ access markets and get fair prices for their produce.

5. Support for the Establishment of food Processing.

Support for the establishment of food processing and storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure food security for communities.

6. Investment in Research and Innovation

Investment in research and innovation in agriculture to develop new technologies and practices that can improve productivity and sustainability.

7. Collaboration with other Organizations

Collaborate with other organizations and stakeholders to create a holistic approach to addressing food security issues, including nutrition education, health services, and social protection programs.

8. Advocacy for Policies:

Advocacy for policies and regulations that support smallholder farmers and promote sustainable agriculture practices

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Environmental Protection

Production and Consumption of briquettes using the “Circular Economy Model”

In addition to our work in agriculture, we are committed to promoting environmental protection and conservation. By promoting bio waste (paper and saw dust) recycling of using the “circular economy model” in the production of briquettes to be use in the place of firewood and charcoal for cooking to reduce pollution and felling down of trees, regenerate biodiversity while creating jobs for women, girls and youths to generate income and improve their livelihoods. We strive to create a healthier planet for future generations.

Motto: Promoting Livelihood and Skills for Life
Values: Integrity, Accountability and Transparency
Conservation of the Giant Africa Snail Achantina Achantina (AA) and Achantina Maginata (AM)

Considering the importance of snails as part of ecosystems, playing roles in nutrient cycling, soil aeration, cosmetics and food webs. However, the giant African AA and AM snail species are facing threats such as habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and invasive species. Conservation efforts are needed to protect snails and ensure their populations remain healthy. 

WESAD used the approach of captive breeding and multiplication programs to snail conservation. These programs involve collecting snails from the wild and breeding them in controlled environments mostly at the back yard called “backyard snail farming” to increase their numbers. So far, twenty three (23) farmers have been trained on backyard snail farming to help prevent the extinction of endangered snail species and restore populations in areas where they have declined.

Women in Conservation

Through our women in conservation network, we advocate for sustainable land use practices, raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity reaching over two hundred and fifty (250) households and one thousand five hundred (1,500) individuals in rural communities of the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon leading to a greater appreciation for the need to protect our natural surroundings, resulting to restoration of habitats and sustainable land management practices as well as resilience to environmental challenges.

Conservation of the Giant Africa Snail Achantina Achantina (AA) and Achantina Maginata (AM)

WESAD APPROACH TO
Environmental Protection

WESAD used the approach of captive breeding and multiplication programs to snail conservation. These programs involve collecting snails from the wild and breeding them in controlled environments mostly at the back yard called “backyard snail farming” to increase their numbers. So far, twenty three (23) farmers have been trained on backyard snail farming to help prevent the extinction of endangered snail species and restore populations in areas where they have declined.

Research is also important for snail conservation and multiplication efforts. WESAD in partnership with the college of technology at the University of Bamenda study snail populations to understand their biology, behavior, Nutrition and habitat requirements with placement of 10 research students (3 undergraduate Students, 6 masters students and one Ph.D student). The information gotten from the research can help inform conservation strategies and improve breeding programs. WESAD look forward to sponsors who can fund research on snail genetics, disease resistance, and reproductive biology which can also be valuable for conservation efforts.

In addition to captive breeding and research, habitat protection and restoration are key components of snail conservation. WESAD looks forward to embrace partners who can sponsor activities in protecting natural habitats and reducing threats such as pollution and habitat destruction which can help ensure snail populations remain healthy and stable.

Overall, WESAD carries out a combination of conservation efforts, research, and habitat protection to conserve and multiply snail populations. By working together with scientists, conservationists, and policymakers it can help ensure the survival of these important and often overlooked creatures.

To scale up our results and impact, WESAD is requesting partnership for the following

1. Funding for research and data collection:



Donors can support our efforts by providing funding for research and data collection for our research on snails (AA and AM) to better understand the environmental issues we are working to address. This will help us develop more effective strategies and interventions. 

2. Capacity building support: 


Donors can also help us scale up our impact by providing funding for capacity building initiatives, such as training programs for our staff and volunteers. This will enable us to strengthen our organization and increase our ability to implement projects successfully.

3. Support for advocacy and policy change:


 Donors can help us advocate for policy change at the local, national, and international levels by providing funding for advocacy campaigns and initiatives. This will allow us to influence decision-makers and create lasting change for the environment.

4. Funding for community engagement and outreach: 


Donors can support our efforts to engage with local communities and raise awareness about environmental issues by providing funding for community outreach programs and initiatives like the production and use of briquettes for cooking using the “circular economy model” to reduce the felling down of trees for fire wood and pollution. This will help us build partnerships with communities and empower them to take action to protect the environment.

Women & Girls Empowerment

Women and Girls Empowerment: We ensure that women and girls have equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. By providing training and support to help women and girls develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their personal and professional lives. Additionally, we raise awareness about gender equality and advocate for policies that promote women's rights. We help create a more inclusive and equitable society where women and girls can thrive and reach their full potential.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Gender – Based Violence: 

One of our key focus areas is gender-based violence prevention, response, and mitigation. We believe that everyone has the right to live free from violence and discrimination, and WESAD and partners have empower GBV survivors to seek help, speak out against violence, and take steps to protect themselves and their communities, educate communities and advocate for policy change to address this critical issue of protecting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.

Promoting Resilience, Empowerment and Self-Sufficiency for adolescent girls and women who are at high risk of GBV and GBV survivors (PRES) Project

Adolescent girls and women who are at high risk of GBV often face multiple challenges, including poverty, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare. These factors can increase their vulnerability to violence and make it difficult for them to seek help and support. In many cases in communities in Cameroon, victims of GBV may also face stigma and discrimination, further complicating their ability to access the resources they need to escape abusive situations. WESAD her partner A2Empowerment initiated the PRES Project which is a pilot intervention aimed at addressing GBV among adolescent girls and women who are at high risk of GBV to prevent further harm and provide support to survivors. The intervention include entrepreneurial training for twenty five (25) adolescent girls and women in Santa Sub-Division in the North West Region of Cameroon who are at high risk of GBV or GBV survivors, providing the trainees with start-up materials to initiate income generating activities and counseling services to address the root causes of violence, such as gender inequality and poverty, while also providing immediate support to survivors. By taking a comprehensive approach, this intervention can help survivors of GBV to rebuild their lives and to break the cycle of violence and create a safer and more equitable society for all.  

Men-engaged Network

Men-engaged Network is an alliance of community based organizations that works to engage men and boys to achieve gender equality, prevent HIV, promote human rights, and reduce violence at all levels across continents. WESAD has greatly contributed through the Men-Engaged network in Cameroon to reducing toxic masculinity and GBV with the implementation of the SIDA grant and the Amplify Change project as a downstream partner with Reach Out Cameroon to promote positive masculinities and prevent discriminatory social norms that affect human rights and gender justice, funded by SIDA, 1795 beneficiaries were reached through community dialogues and focus groups discussions.

Key Statistics

Key Achievements

In response to the AmplifyChange project, focused on reducing incidence of GBV and increasing women's SRHRs by 25% across a minimum of 40 communities in the North West, West, Littoral and South West Regions of Cameroon by 2025, WESAD through njangi groups, veteran groups, farmers groups, church groups and schools, the project benefited 13,616 community members in Tubah and Santa sub divisions.

3,450

community members gained useful knowledge on SRHRs through education and sensitization in communities

3,239

people’s received sensitization and educative talks on GBV rejection and SRHRs acceptance

2,174

students received Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)

94

GBV survivors identified and received appropriate GBV services

3,414

community member’s received psychosocial support 

173

community leaders took part in 2 community consultative meetings  

1,059

parents received knowledge on accepting CSE in schools

13

GBV survivors supported with economic startup capital


WESAD is requesting partnership and donor funding in the following

1. Funding for capacity building programs:

Donors can support WESAD by providing funding for training and capacity building programs for women in our community. This will help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their personal and professional lives.

2. Support for advocacy and awareness campaigns:

 Donors can help us raise awareness about women's rights and gender equality issues by funding advocacy and awareness campaigns. This will help us reach a wider audience and create lasting change in our community.

3. Funding for income-generating projects:

Donors can support WESAD by providing funding for income-generating projects for women in our community. This will help them become financially independent and support themselves and their families thus reducing the vulnerability of GBV.

4. Support for mentorship and networking programs: 

Donors can help us establish mentorship and networking programs for women in our community. This will provide them with valuable support and guidance as they navigate their personal and professional lives.

5. Funding for research and data collection
Donors can support WESAD by providing funding for research and data collection on women's empowerment issues. This will help us better understand the challenges faced by women in our community and develop targeted interventions to address them. 

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We envisage sustainable and peaceful communities where human rights and dignities are respected, providing equal opportunities for all through community participation to improve well-being and economic development.